The name Eavelan was carried to England in the enormous movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Eavelan family lived in Surrey. The name, however, derives from the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Ivelyn, in Calvados, Normandy.

Early Origins of the Eavelan family

The surname Eavelan was first found in Surrey where they held a family seat from very early times and were granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Eavelan Spelling Variations

Multitudes of spelling variations are a hallmark of Anglo Norman names. Most of these names evolved in the 11th and 12th century, in the time after the Normans introduced their own Norman French language into a country where Old and Middle English had no spelling rules and the languages of the court were French and Latin. To make matters worse, medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, so names frequently appeared differently in the various documents in which they were recorded. The name was spelled Evelyn, Ivelyn, Aveling and others.

Early Notables of the Eavelan family (pre 1700)

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir John Evelyn (1591-1664), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1628 and 1660, reluctant supporter of the Parliamentary side in the English Civil War; Sir John Evelyn (1601-1685), an English politician, Member of Parliament for Wilton (1626), Ludgershall... Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eavelan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Eavelan family to the New World and Oceana

Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Eavelan or a variant listed above: Mary Evelin who settled in Virginia in 1648; Thomas Evelin settled in Barbados in 1671; Francis Evelyn settled in Philadelphia in 1874.

The Eavelan Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.